Hyderabad: In recent developments in Andhra Pradesh, several Telugu news channels, including NTV, 10TV, Sakshi TV and TV9 Telugu, have been abruptly taken off the air by certain cable TV operators since Friday night. The channels are now only available on direct-to-home services.
TV9 Telugu, NTV, 10TV and Sakshi TV are among the most widely viewed Telugu news channels in Andhra Pradesh. Their sudden removal from cable networks has left viewers without access to their usual sources of news and information, prompting outcry and demands for immediate restoration. According to industry sources, nearly 60% of distribution is affected by this blockade. Collectively, these three channels command a market share of 56.6% based on the latest BARC report for AP/T, All 15+, Week 24 of 2024.
This action has sparked widespread concern and debate, particularly in the context of the recent change in government, where the Telugu Desam Party led by N Chandrababu Naidu returned to power, displacing the YSRCP led by Jagan Mohan Reddy. Among the channels that have been blocked, Sakshi TV is owned by Indira Television Ltd, a company supported by the family of Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, which also publishes the Sakshi vernacular daily newspaper.
The abrupt blackout of these channels has been attributed to directives allegedly issued by local cable operators, which some observers suspect may have political motivations. The timing, coming shortly after the change in state government, has fuelled speculation that the move could be aimed at silencing dissenting voices or controlling the narrative in favour of the new administration.
The decision to block these news channels has raised significant questions about media freedom and the independence of press in the state. Many have pointed out that such actions could potentially undermine the democratic principles of transparency and the public’s right to information, which are crucial in any democratic society. As per the Telecommunication (Broadcasting And Cable) Services Interconnection (Addressable Systems) Regulations 2017, no service provider should disconnect the signals of television channels without giving at least three weeks’ notice, clearly specifying the reasons for the disconnection.
Meanwhile, opposition parties criticizing the move as an attack on press freedom and accusing the new government of attempting to stifle dissenting voices. In a letter to the telecom regulator TRAI that is copied to the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, I&B Secretary and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, YSR CP leader and Rajya Sabha member S Niranjan Reddy said, the Andhra Pradesh Cable TV Operators’ Association has “under the pressure and directions” of the newly-formed TDP sought “to permanently block TV9 (Telugu), NTV, 10TV and Sakshi TV”.
Terming this as a direct assault on the principles of democracy, the June 11 letter said: “Such interference causes a chilling effect on the freedom of the press”. Out of the blocked channels Sakshi TV belongs to Indira Television Ltd, which is backed by the family of Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy, which also publishes Sakshi vernacular daily.
Media organizations and civil society groups have condemned the blocking of news channels, emphasising the importance of a free and independent media in holding governments accountable and ensuring transparency. They argue that any attempts to restrict or manipulate media access undermine the democratic fabric of the state and violate the fundamental rights of citizens.
Since the N. Chandrababu Naidu-led TDP government returned to power, these four channels have been blocked from airing for the second time. According to media reports, the first instance occurred on June 6, when they were off the air for a day. The state government, however, has denied issuing any instructions to cable TV operators regarding this matter.
As the debate continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by media organizations. Earlier on June 16, 2014, just two weeks after the separate Telangana state formation and K Chandrasekhar Rao took office as Chief Minister, two prominent Telugu news channels, TV9 and ABN Andhra Jyothi, were removed from the air by Telangana multiple-system operators (MSOs) and they remained off-air for significant period of time.
